Written by TeenSource Interns
Black History Month is a month devoted to acknowledging and understanding the impact of Black contributions (past and present) within our broader society. In addition to remembering the beautiful contributions of Black people, it is also a time to learn about issues facing the black community from an intersectional lens. This scope will help us better understand how oppressive systems of discrimination (homophobia, transphobia, racism, etc) come together and affect black youth’s access to sexual and reproductive health services. But first, we have a word of the day that will help tie this information together:
Intersectionality: “…a lens, a prism, for seeing the way in which various forms of inequality often operate together and exacerbate each other.”
- Kimberlé Crenshaw
Barriers Black Queer Youth (BQY) Face Accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services
All students DESERVE the right to proper sex education, however only 20% of BQY report receiving relevant sex education. The lack of inclusive LGBTQIA+ sex education puts BQY at a disadvantage when learning about sex. As a result, this leaves BQY at a greater risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because they rarely receive sex edcuation that covers safer-sex practices (contraceptive usage and STI prevention).
At the same time, there are familial barriers that can prohibit BQY from accessing personally relevant sex education. In some traditional homes, queer youth may not be supported in their identity. This can leave them with no one in their family to confide in about their health.
Supporting Black Queer Youth
We realize that sex education for queer youth is often overlooked and stigmatized. We would like to provide BQY with some helpful information on safer-sex practices and resources.
The It Gets Better Project offers resources across the United States of America for Black Queer Youth. To access them, visit:
We also understand it can be hard to find comprehensive sex-ed tailored for LGBTQ+ teens. Visit Safer Sex for LGBTQ+ Teens! to learn about methods for safer sex and other resources for LGBTQ+ teens.
Always remember to be in charge of your health and get tested! You can find a clinic near you to get tested and stay safe!